Notice2021-11730
Forest Service Manual 1800, Chapter 20
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 4, 2021
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentForest Service
Abstract
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service is proposing to issue a proposed directive to revise direction on workforce partnerships authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act as amended by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019. Directive revisions expand guidance regarding partnerships with non-profits, Tribes, universities and other organizations that offer community and national service, work experience and training to youth, young adults and veterans and help the Forest Service accomplish critical work; improve procedures and requirements to enroll young adults and veterans in work programs and on Forest Service units, using partnership agreements authorized by the Public Lands Corps and Resource Assistants Program statute; and, clarifies guidance about how young adults and others enrolled working with the Forest Service under these authorities can become eligible for special hiring pathways to Forest Service jobs.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 106 (Friday, June 4, 2021)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 106 (Friday, June 4, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Page 29996]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2021-11730]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Forest Service Manual 1800, Chapter 20
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of availability for public comment.
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SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest
Service is proposing to issue a proposed directive to revise direction
on workforce partnerships authorized by the Public Lands Corps Act as
amended by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and
Recreation Act of 2019. Directive revisions expand guidance regarding
partnerships with non-profits, Tribes, universities and other
organizations that offer community and national service, work
experience and training to youth, young adults and veterans and help
the Forest Service accomplish critical work; improve procedures and
requirements to enroll young adults and veterans in work programs and
on Forest Service units, using partnership agreements authorized by the
Public Lands Corps and Resource Assistants Program statute; and,
clarifies guidance about how young adults and others enrolled working
with the Forest Service under these authorities can become eligible for
special hiring pathways to Forest Service jobs.
DATES: Comments must be received in writing by July 6, 2021.
ADDRESSES: The proposed directive may be reviewed, and comments may be
submitted electronically to <a href="https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?project=ORMS-2661">https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?project=ORMS-2661</a>. Written comments may be mailed
to Merlene Mazyck, Program Manager, Recreation, Heritage and Volunteers
Resources Staff, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
1124. All timely received comments, including names and addresses, will
be placed in the record and will be available for public inspection and
copying. The public may inspect comments received at <a href="https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/ReadingRoom?project=ORMS-2661">https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/ReadingRoom?project=ORMS-2661</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Merlene Mazyck, Program Manager,
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a4f7e98ae2f78af3ebf2cbc8f7c1d6d2e4d1d7c0c58ac3cbd2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7b2836553d28552c342d1417281e090d3b0e081f1a551c140d">[email protected]</span></a>, 202-306-9084. Individuals who use
telecommunication devices for the hearing-impaired may call the Federal
Relay Service at 800-877-8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern
Daylight Time, Monday through Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 21st Century Conservation Service Corps
(21CSC) is a public-private partnership that employs young adults,
veterans, and emerging professionals to strengthen infrastructure,
boost local economies and multiply returns on our country's most
valuable assets: Its unmatched landscapes and people. A Public Lands
Corps program, 21CSC projects support conservation priorities and
develop the next generation of conservation stewards. The 21CSC
projects are diverse and support all facets of Forest Service work.
Program objectives are to build rural and urban economies, promote
workforce development and hiring outcomes, address facility and
maintenance backlogs and improve infrastructure, and increase public
and private sector collaboration on Forest Service land management
projects or programs.
The Resource Assistants Program (RAP) is a rigorous and immersive
paid experience for U.S. citizens or permanent residents interested in
natural and cultural resources careers who are at least 17 years old.
Resource assistants are recruited by partner organizations and work
under the direction of Forest Service staff to accomplish mission-
critical work that develops leadership, critical thinking, and
strategic communication skills. Through collaboration, coaching, and
mentorship, resource assistants launch their careers and expand their
understanding of our Nation's natural and cultural resources and land
management priorities. Women and recent graduates from institutions of
higher education, especially Historically Black Colleges and
Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and
Universities, are strongly encouraged to apply to opportunities posted
with our partner organizations. Program objectives are to attract and
retain a diverse and inclusive workforce, accomplish mission-critical
work and high priority projects, promote career exploration and
professional development for recent graduates and underrepresented
populations, and facilitate Forest Service coaching and mentoring of
emerging professionals.
The Forest Service has determined that the changes to the manual
formulate standards, criterion, or guidelines applicable to a Forest
Service program and is therefore publishing the proposed manual for
public comment in accordance with 36 CFR part 216. The Forest Service
is seeking public comment on the proposed directive, including the
sufficiency of the proposed directives in meeting its stated
objectives, ways to enhance the utility and clarity of information
within the direction, and ways to streamline processes outlined.
Forest Service National Environmental Policy Act procedures exclude
from documentation in an environmental assessment or impact statement
``rules, regulations, or policies to establish servicewide
administrative procedures, program processes, or instructions.'' 36 CFR
220.6(d)(2). The Agency's conclusion is that these proposed directives
fall within this category of actions and that no extraordinary
circumstances exist as currently defined that require preparation of an
environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement.
After the public comment period closes, the Forest Service will
consider timely comments that are within the scope of the proposed
directives in the development of the final directives. A notice of the
final directives, including a response to timely comments, will be
posted on the Forest Service's web page at <a href="https://www.fs.fed.us/about-agency/regulations-policies">https://www.fs.fed.us/about-agency/regulations-policies</a>.
Dated: May 28, 2021.
Tina Johna Terrell,
Acting Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2021-11730 Filed 6-3-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
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